If you are seeking treatment for OCD, there are a variety of options. You may benefit from therapy, medication, or a combination of the two. Everyone responds to treatment in different ways.
If you are dealing with sensorimotor obsessions, much of the treatment will involve recognizing the anxiety caused by the sensory input and effectively experiencing the sensation without the resulting worry.
There are several types of mental health professionals who can provide treatment for OCD. Different types of mental health professionals you may look for include:
- psychologist
- professional counselor
- marriage and family therapist
- clinical social worker
- psychiatrist
Exposure response prevention
Exposure response prevention (ERP) is a type of therapy treatment that helps reduce OCD symptoms. It involves psychoeducation, exposure to the trigger causing the obsessions or compulsions, and finally, a prevention response.
With this type of treatment, you learn how to choose not to engage in obsessive or compulsive behavior.
Research has suggested that 50% to 60% of individuals may experience a reduction in OCD symptoms with ERP.
Other options include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and trauma-focused therapy, especially if the person has a history of childhood trauma.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat OCD in 2018.
TMS is a type of brain stimulation therapy that uses electromagnetic pulses in the brain to reduce symptoms of OCD. This works by stimulating nerve cells in the brain. TMS is a non-invasive type of therapy.
Usually, TMS is used as a treatment when other treatments aren’t effective.
Medication
Some individuals may find relief for OCD symptoms by taking medications. For example, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are usually prescribed for depression and help treat OCD.
FDA-approved SSRIs for OCD include:
Other SSRIs may also be used off-label, including citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro).
Medications aren’t suitable for everyone. However, if you are considering medication to treat OCD symptoms, it is important that you speak with your doctor.
Mental health professionals often prescribed higher doses of SSRIs for OCD than depression. These medications can have side effects, so speaking with a doctor may be beneficial to determine if the medication is right for you.